Lighting Network Grouping via Power Interruption

The patent divides the lighting network into multiple logical groups (e.g., Group 1, Group 2, Group 3) that can be controlled independently. Each group can have different operational characteristics such as dimming schedules, allowing the network to accommodate varying illumination needs at different locations while maintaining manageable complexity through structured organization.

The patent enables different lighting fixtures within the same physical network to have different operational characteristics by assigning them to different logical groups. For example, fixtures at junctions can be assigned to a group that maintains high illumination, while fixtures in ambient areas can be assigned to a group that allows dimming, creating local quality variations without requiring separate control systems.

The patent incorporates logical group identification and assignment capabilities into the lighting fixtures during manufacturing or initial setup. Each fixture is pre-configured with the ability to identify and join logical groups, so that during deployment, configuration is simplified to merely assigning fixtures to appropriate groups rather than programming complex control logic at each site.

The patent creates a universal control framework where a single controller can manage multiple logical groups with different characteristics using the same basic infrastructure. The system uses standardized communication protocols and group assignment mechanisms that work across all fixtures, allowing separate control of different groups while maintaining ease of configuration through universal procedures.

The patent enables lighting fixtures to automatically identify their optimal logical group assignment based on pre-defined criteria or simple location-based rules. The system can automatically assign fixtures to appropriate groups without requiring skilled commissioning personnel to manually configure each fixture, thereby maintaining assignment accuracy while reducing deployment costs and skill requirements.

The patent uses location data or fixture identifiers to automatically copy appropriate group assignment configurations from a central database or master plan. Instead of requiring skilled personnel to individually configure each fixture, the system automatically copies the correct group assignment based on the fixture's location or ID, ensuring accuracy while simplifying the deployment process.